The rule was to start from 1 October 2022. Many automakers had asked the ministry to reconsider its decision since it would have a drastic impact on the small-car market.
Digital Desk: The government said on Thursday it is suspending until October 2023 the adoption of regulations mandating six airbags in all cars, granting the industry a one-year extension.
The decision comes despite the government’s prioritisation of passenger safety irrespective of vehicle cost or variants, said Union minister for road transport Nitin Gadkari.
"Considering the global supply chain constraints being faced by the auto industry and its impact on the macroeconomic scenario, it has been decided to implement the proposal mandating a minimum of 6 Airbags in Passenger Cars (M-1 Category) w.e.f 01st October 2023," he said.
Gadkari, till Thursday, had said that the government will implement the regulation regardless of concerns raised by automakers about the impact on the cost of manufacturing four-wheelers.
"The same manufacturer, when it exports those automobiles, puts in six airbags but when they make them for the locals, they only put four. Are the lives of the poor not worthy of being saved?” questioned Gadkari at an event recently.
The ministry of road transport and roads, earlier this year, had made it essential for six airbags to be installed in all passenger automobiles that can carry up to eight passengers.
The rule was to start from 1 October 2022. Many automakers had asked the ministry to reconsider its decision since it would have a drastic impact on the small-car market.
Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava has stated that because the auto industry is one of the main employers, a slowdown in its expansion owing to overshot expenses brought on by the law could be harmful to macroeconomic growth.
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